A Worcestershire Wander
Six pubs within fifteen miles of one another with over 30 different beers, including two breweries... what more could a drinker ask for. Indeed this June saw the Solihull Branch enjoy such an excersion to the Worcestershire countryside to the north of Malvern.
The Fruiterers Arms at Uphampton, our first stop off is the home of Canon Royale Brewery where, in hot sunshine we sat outside this gem of a pub and imbibed excellent Mild, Arrowhead and Muzzle Loader.We missed out the John Smith's and the Saddlers Bitter.
Then onto the Bell at Pensax a past West Midland Pub of the Year where five beers and three ciders awaited us in another gem of a pub. Holden's, Slaters, Hook Norton and Timothy Taylor's were enjoyed here. I don't think anyone tried the Herefordshire Scrumpy Cider or the two offerings from Weston's.
Moving on the the Fox at Monkwood Green we supped more Canon Royale including Ricochet in the idyllic unspoilt pub overloking the a large green with magnificent views of the Malvern Hills. For cider lovers Barker's was on tap. No time to tarry we set off for the more upmarket Admiral Rodney at Berrow Green where a short but sweet visit saw us sample some Wickwar Sunny Daze, Archer's Spring Blonde as well as Wadworth and Wye Valley beers.
Keeping to our timetable we arrived at the Talbot in Knightwick just in time to fill our glasses with Teme Valley's This, That or T'Other before a tour of Teme Valley Brewery. Chris gave us an excellent talk on brewing and the history of the brewery. After sampling more of their delights in the pub we made tracks toward Malvern Link and the Nags Head where we were greeted by some dozen handpumps with Shepherd Neame Goldings, Exmoor Gold, Sadlers's Worcestershire Sourcerer to name but a few. The beers were accompanied by an excellent menu to whet any appetite, if a little expensive.
To round off the night we headed off home via the Coach and Horses at Weatheroak Hill. With about ten beers this was an excellent end to the day. The beer list here? At this stage of the day... who cared! However it wound up a perfect day
Steve Dyson
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